When a client makes a service request, it consults the JIF to determine which data, if any, need to accompany the request and how to make the request. Panther then relays the request to the local bulletin board. Through the bulletin board data, the service request is matched to a specific server. This information is returned to the client.

Figure 1-3 diagrams a two-machine configuration that is enabled for workstation client connections. The data that users require on deposit data and loan data is split between the two sites; for example, a request for checking account data is directed to host 1, while a query on mortgages is directed to host 2. Host 1 is also the master machine: